2008 Saturn Sky

(from General Motors Press Release)  Saturns much-in-demand Sky roadster has helped usher in an unprecedented product renaissance, and it makes a bold statement about the brands new design language that emphasizes a bold, European-inspired look, as well as fun, responsive driving.

The affordable, head-turning performance roadster enters its second model year of wowing driving enthusiasts without draining their bank accounts. Built on GMs global rear-wheel-drive compact performance platform, the Sky features a striking profile and sophisticated interior design. For 2008, Saturn adds standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control for more sure-footed travel; and a limited-slip differential on all models. An upgraded standard radio system and newly standard XM Satellite Radio, as well as an available Monsoon audio system, amp up the entertainment factor.

With an affordable MSRP, the Sky delivers on Saturns longstanding reputation of providing solid value against its key competitors.

Bold, dynamic design

With a commanding road presence and stance; sharp lines; and a clean, sleek surface, the Sky offers a distinctly European look. Decorative hood vents emphasize its dynamic performance character and accentuate its long dash-to-axle appearance. The Skys design was inspired by the Vauxhall VX Lightning Concept, created at GMs Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham , England .

When the Sky debuted in March 2006, it introduced the new face of Saturn, with a pronounced fender peak and a bold, chrome bar that carries an integrated Saturn badge.

For 2008, Techno Gray replaces Silver Graphite in the color palette, and Carbon Flash will be offered on a limited basis in the middle of the model year.

The interior is driver-focused, with integrated controls and displays and premium materials, including a new standard drivers seat height adjuster for additional comfort. Creative use of contemporary, upscale black and chrome finishes combines with available leather seats and technical grains to emphasize richness and precision. For 2008, customers can personalize the Sky with their choice of unique interior/exterior color combinations, instead of the prescribed factory combinations.

Also new for 2008, a leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard on all Sky models, and a leather shift knob is included with the premium trim package on the manual-equipped 2.4L Sky model. It remains standard on the manual-equipped Sky Red Line.

The standard audio system in the Sky is improved for 2008, featuring a six-speaker AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 capability, as well as speed-compensated volume, automatic tone control, TheftLock and Radio Data System. A Monsoon 225-watt seven-speaker system is available.

Roadster performance

The Sky has the hardware to back up its bold styling. It is equipped with a 2.4L DOHC Ecotec engine with variable valve timing and a five-speed Aisin manual transmission with a short-throw shifter. A five-speed automatic is available. To comply with more stringent emission and diagnostic regulations, the 2.4L-equipped Sky will receive a new catalytic converter system with slightly elevated exhaust system backpressure. To ensure accurate horsepower and torque ratings GM Powertrain will certify the power ratings to SAE standards and update this information as soon as it becomes available. It also features electronic throttle control (ETC) for remarkably precise engine control and response.

Sky models equipped with the five-speed manual transmission have a new torque beam to reduce noise, vibration and harshness by isolating noise associated with abrupt torque transfer away from the passenger compartment. The system was originally developed specifically for the added power and torque outputs of the Sky Red Lines 2.0L turbo, and then added to all manual transmission models later in the 2007 model year.

The Sky uses a hydroformed tube structure for an extremely strong and rigid chassis, especially for a convertible. With its purpose-built chassis, Sky looks the part of a true sports car and has all the stiffness and torsional rigidity necessary to make it a nimble, fun-to-drive roadster for the enthusiast driver.

The Skys suspension was engineered to optimize ride without compromising handling. Key design elements enabling the Skys impressive handling include a short-long arm suspension featuring forged aluminum control arms, Bilstein monotube shocks and hollow stabilizer bars with ball joint sockets. The result is impressive handling with high lateral acceleration capability and minimum body roll.

The vehicles power rack-and-pinion hydraulic steering system provides the performance expected from a high-end roadster or sports sedan. The system exhibits excellent on-center feel and minimal lag, enabling the driver to feel closely connected to the road. The result is a vehicle that is precise, yet easy to drive.

The Skys standard four-wheel disc braking system is designed to provide optimal driver feedback. The power-assisted dual-diagonal brake system features 11.7-inch ventilated front and 10.9-inch solid rear discs. Working together, these components yield a responsive, solid and linear braking feel with minimal pedal travel.

In addition, Sky has a standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) with dynamic rear proportioning (DRP). DRP, or electronic brake distribution, provides superior braking stability by continuously optimizing front/rear brake balance to accommodate a variety of driving conditions, including deceleration, surface traction levels and vehicle loading conditions.

The Sky features 18-inch by 8-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels, Goodyear Eagle RSA P245/45R18 96V and high-performance all-season tires that enhance the stance of the car. The combination offers excellent all-season performance, excellent longitudinal grip that contributes to best-in-class stopping distance (60-0 mph in 116 feet) and road-gripping ability with a maximum lateral acceleration of approximately 0.90g. Five-spoke alloy wheels with chrome, painted and polished finishes are available.

Continuous safety

For 2008, GMs StabiliTrak electronic stability control and a limited-slip differential are standard on all Sky models. StabiliTrak is an important crash-avoidance technology that uses an accelerator pedal position sensor, a brake master cylinder pressure sensor and a steering wheel angle sensor as inputs to interpret the drivers desired path and whether to accelerate or decelerate the vehicle. StabiliTrak also uses these sensors plus a lateral accelerometer and yaw rate sensor to determine the vehicles actual path.

If the difference between the drivers desired path and the vehicles actual path becomes great enough, StabiliTrak takes appropriate action to assist the driver with maintaining the desired path. If the vehicle begins to plow, or understeer, StabiliTrak applies the inside rear brake to help turn the vehicle. If the vehicle begins to "fishtail, or oversteer, StabiliTrak applies the outside front brake to straighten the vehicle.

Sky also offers dual-stage frontal air bags one in the steering wheel and another in the instrument panel on the passenger side. A standard Passenger Sensing System (PSS) uses the latest sensing technology to turn the front passenger air bag on or off depending on the size and position of the front-seat passenger.

Other safety and security features include standard OnStar safety and security system; a standard tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system; and a remote keyless entry system including a panic alarm, and engine immobilizer with PASSKey III theft deterrent feature.

The OnStar service on all Sky models features available OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. Turn-by-Turn allows consumers to talk to a live advisor, who in turn sends complete step-by-step directions to customers' vehicles through their OnStar system. These audio directions automatically play through the vehicles stereo as needed, triggered by the OnStar systems GPS capabilities. This enables drivers to be led to their destination while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.